Signal apparatus.



F. H. PETTIT.

SIGNAL APPARATUS.

APPLIUATION FILED AUG-13, 191s.

Patented July 28, 191 1 THE NORRIS PETERS CD.. PHOTU-LITHO.. WASHINGTON. D, C.

citizen oi the United FRED H. PETTI'I, 0F ANTHON, OKLAHOMA.

SIGNAL APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented lily 28, 1914.

Application filed August 13, 1913. Serial No. 784,553.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, FRED H. Pn'rrrr, 21 States, residing at Anthon, in the county of Custer and State of Oklahoma, have invented new and useful Improvements in Signal Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in signal apparatus and has particular application to a. signal apparatus for use on ra1l-' road bridges.

In carrying out the present invention, it is my purpose to provide an apparatus of the class described whereby the engineer of a train approaching the bridge will be advised as to whether or not the various parts of the bridge are intact, the deflection of any part of the bridge setting the signals at both ends of the bridge to indicate danger.

It is also my purpose to provide an apparatus of the type set forth which will embrace the desired features of simplicity, eiiicienoy and durability which will be at all times reliable and positive which may be installed and maintained at a minimum expense.

Wit-h the'above and other objects in view, the invention consists in the construction, combination and arrangement of parts hereinatter set forth in and falling withinthe scope of the claim.

1n the accompanying drawing: Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of a bridge equipped with a signal apparatus construct ed in accordance with my present invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the same.

Referring now to the accompanying drawing in detail, 13 designates a railroad bridge of some suitable or approved construction.

Arranged longitudinally of the bridge and preferably below the same is a wire rod 1 having the opposite extremities thereof projected suitable distances beyond the adjacent ends of the bridge. Each end of the wire rod 1 controls a signal and holds the same at a position indicating clear when the various parts of the bridge structure are intact, each signal, in the present instance, is gravity controlled and comprises a stem 2 fulcrumed in operation and,

between its ends upon a suitable standard 3 and carrying at one end a signal blade or flag t and at its opposite end a weight 5.

Depending fromthe weighted end of the stem 2 and pivotallyconnected thereto is a shank 6 having the lower end thereoi formed with an eye 7 through which the respective end of thewire rod 1 is passed so that the signal 4- is normally maintained in a horizontal or clear position against the action of the weight 5. Mounted upon the rod 1 are sheave wheels 8 carried by latter are connected depending cords or the like 10 each trained over a guide pulley 11 disposed immediatelybelow the respective block and sheave 9 and 8 respectively so that when a pull is exerted upon the free end of the cord the wire rod 1 will be acted upon in such manner that the ends thereof will be drawn inwardly to release the shanks 6 and so permit the signal blades 1 to go to danger positions under the action of the gravity controlled weights 5. Arranged along the path of the rod 1 are supporting pulleys '12 suitably spaced apart and designed to maintain the rod in proper position.

In practice, the free ends of the cords or the like 10 are carried and connected toithe important elements of the bridge structure so that should any of such elements be de fiected or otherwise influenced, a pull will be exerted upon nals as aforesaid.

I claim:

In signal apparatus of the class described, the combination with a bridge, of a wire rod arranged longitudinally of said bridge, sup porting pulleys upon said bridge and spaced apart and holding said rod, sheaves upon said rod, flexible connections between said sheaves and the various parts of the bridge structure, and signals controlled by said rod.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

Witnesses: 7

JOHN H. SHEPHERD, R. L. Coax.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Yatents.

Washington, D. 0.

blocks 9 to which the rod 1 to release the rnnn n. rnrrrr i 

